community development

neighborhood dinners

Food insecurity is a significant issue in Madison, despite our reputation as a food destination. From 2008 to 2011 the number of children in poverty in Dane County grew by 60% from 10 percent to 16 percent of children under 18. Sixteen percent represents 16,129 children in Dane County. Because poverty and hunger are inextricably linked, this same percentage of children is likely to be food insecure. Building on the success and infrastructure of our weekly dinners in various Madison-area locations, we have 4 new locations planned for 2015 that will work to immediately address the concern of food insecurity in our community by providing free fresh produce to community members as well as a subsidized meal from a food cart. Additionally, we will partner with local community and neighborhood groups to include activities for children, art and music, and other educational components to create an event that is not to be missed! These events will foster an environment where community engagement is organic and place-making is a byproduct.

Mentoring & Workforce Incubation Program

This internship initiative, in partnership with Briarpatch Youth Services and Project Kinect, will target disconnected youth on the margins of education and work between the ages of 16 and 18 from economically challenged communities around the city of Madison who are seeking unique skills related to food service and entrepreneurship. It is our goal to set the foundation for labor-market involvement and engagement for these youth and to smooth the transition through the educational system into the labor market or further education. This paid internship will match disconnected youth with food cart owners who will provide one-on-one mentoring and a steady summer job working on a food cart. Additionally, this program will provide external correlated training in other food-related businesses to spark an interest in food-related entrepreneurship and lay the groundwork for long term workforce and entrepreneurial development.